David and Goliath
In the Valley of Elah, young David faced the Philistine champion Goliath with a sling and faith in God, and killed him with a single stone.
Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of Yahweh of Armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”
1 Samuel 17:45 (World English Bible)
For forty days Goliath of Gath taunted Israel's army, and no one would fight him. David, bringing food to his brothers, was outraged that anyone would defy the armies of the living God. He refused Saul's armor and went out with his staff, five smooth stones, and his sling.
The victory made David a national hero. The women's song, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands,” turned Saul's admiration into jealousy. Jonathan, Saul's son, loved David as himself and made a covenant with him.
Places
JerusalemBethlehemGathEkronSocohEphes-dammimValley of ElahShaaraim
Dating notes
Not dated precisely; it follows David's anointing and entry into Saul's service. Placed in 1063 BC as an estimate.